Jewish Burial Customs

Jewish Customs Prior to Burial More Detail

Tahara is performed by members of the Chevra Kadisha (see Chevra Kadisha below) or “Sacred Society”.

Shmeerah: The watching over the deceased by a shomer.This person recites psalms on behalf of the deceased until burial.

Tachrichim: A traditional white burial shroud.This is a symbol that all people are equal before their Creator.

Kavod Hamet: Respectful treatment of the deceased.

Chevra Kadisha: A holy society made up of knowledgeable and observant people. Responsible for performing the Tahara (see Tahara above). Men care for men, women care for women.

Kriah: Tearing of garments.It is customary for mourners to tear an outer garment. A more common practice today is wearing a torn black ribbon.

Oron: All-wood casket.

Shiva: The seven-day morning period following burial.

Kaddish: A prayer sanctifying God’s name, recited by mourners.

K’vurah: Burial. Participation is both a privilege and a duty.

Shurah: Two lines formed by the community through which the mourners pass when leaving the cemetery.

Onen/Onenet: “One in distress”. Immediate family members (mourners), from the moment of death until burial. Excused from all obligations, except making funeral arrangements. (Aninut – the period of mourning.)

Avel/Avela: “One who is sad, grieving”. Immediate family members (mourners), from the moment of burial to the end of the mourning period. (Avelut – the mourning period.)

Shloshim: Thirty-day mourning period following the burial (includes Shiva).

Shanah: Year of Mourning following the death of a parent, (Kaddish recited for eleven months).